Dwyane Wade seriously considered signing with Bulls over Heat

Even though Dwyane Wade explored his free agent options during the summer of 2010, most people figured it was a foregone conclusion he would re-sign with the Heat. Wade was drafted by the Heat, won a championship in Miami and was the team’s franchise player. Plus, his franchise was busy recruiting other stars to join him and form a super team. Why would he sign elsewhere?

“It was very tough, it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in my life,” Wade said.

“I’m a Chicago guy and I grew up idolizing the Chicago Bulls, idolizing Michael Jordan and wanted to wear that jersey. So the day I went for the Chicago visit and they gave me the No. 3 jersey, I mean, that day messed me up. I went back home and I had the jersey on and, I mean, I turned into a kid again.”

The Heat have reached two NBA Finals, beaten the Bulls, and won one title since Wade re-signed with the team. No way he regrets his decision. But it’s interesting to note how much he considered signing with Chicago; I had outright dismissed the possibility.